Station 18 - Ballard

About the StationStation 18 is the lead station for Battalion IV, which covers most of northwest Seattle. The station houses a large number of functions. Its core operations comprise an engine company (E18), a ladder unit (L8), a medic unit (M18) and a battalion chief unit. It houses a number of reserve units as well, including a reserve battalion chief unit, a reserve ladder unit and a reserve medic unit. The station, along with Station 25, also houses one of the Department's two hose wagons. These wagons, converted from older engines, are capable of laying and pumping water through 6,000 feet of hose.

As one of the newer stations in the system, Station 18 is in generally good condition. Though seismically upgraded in the 1990s, it was not done to the most current standards and will receive additional strengthening.

About the Project Station 18 will receive seismic retrofits and substantial remodeling. The building is designed to meet LEED Gold standards. The building's heating, cooling and ventilating system will be upgraded to modern energy efficient standards. New water-efficient plumbing fixtures will be installed. Much of the lighting will be low-wattage LED fixtures. Additional insulation on the roof and walls will also be added in the remodel.

Space will be added for a maintenance area and storage for the firefighter's bunking equipment. Other smaller space additions will be done for storage and to upgrade the battalion chief office. Individual bunks will replace the communal space.

The station is now operating out of a temporary location at 4733 Shilshole Ave. NW.

Planned Station FeaturesTechnical Capacities:

Bay space for eight apparatus, including a battalion chief bay

Decontamination/clean room

Maintenance work area and compressor

Storage for major disaster supplies and EMS equipment

Hose tower

Training facility: drilling platform, training classroom

Administrative and Crew Areas:

Secure public lobby

Station office

Bunker gear room

Beanery kitchen and dining room

Physical fitness room

Firefighter bunk rooms

Toilet/shower rooms

Laundry room

Current StatusThe project is under construction. It is expected to be complete by December 2015.

Milestones

January 2015: Start of construction.

June 2013: Approximately 400 neighbors attended a community open house to view the current project design and tour the station.